DO THE RIGHT THING and TRUST YOUR FEELING are the names we have given to these two sledgehammers. We exhibit them exclusively in group shows, with the subtitle "Instrument for group shows". They go well with the interior of any gallery, museum or artist run space. There is always enough wall space to casually position them somewhere amongst the other works on show. In fact, they're incredibly versatile and easy going.
Whatever their physical location in the show, DO THE RIGHT THING and TRUST YOUR FEELING are always at the intersection between artist, art work, public and curator. "We are here for you", the sledgehammers tell the viewer, "you can pick us up and use us according to your own judgment". "Do the right thing, whatever you think that is in the given situation. Trust your feeling, whatever it tells you right now. The decision is in your hand: destroy or respect the art works around you." The sledgehammers tempt, "Wouldn't it be immensely satisfying to smash that horrid piece over there in the corner? How much would you be willing to pay for that? Is it really worth it? Are you absolutely sure? Is nobody watching you right now?"
Perverse as it may be, we never have to explain what these hammers are for. People have an innate understanding of their function. When on display in museums, they have to be glued or tied down to the floor, to prevent kids running around with them. Adult museum staff members have swayed them over their heads in front of art work they take care of on a daily basis. What is it with contemporary art, that it triggers this secret lust for destruction? And why do we normally deny we have this lust? What truth are we hiding from ourselves?
